Printing_with_Formlabs_Form_2.md

+# Printing with Formlabs Form 2
+
+See [information about Form 2 printer](Formlabs).
+
+For printing a 3D model, you need first to create the model with a CAD
+tool for 3D modeling and save it as .stl. See [design specs for Form
+2](https://formlabs.com/3d-printers/design-specs/) and [guidlines on 3D
+modeling](Computer-aided_3D_design).
+
+Then you need to set up the printer (see [a tutorial on how to set up
+Form
+2](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000013424-Set-Up-Your-Form-2),
+also reproduced below).
+
+Last step is printing (see [a tutorial on how to print a 3D model with
+Form 2](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000013824),
+also reproduced below).
+
+See [safety issues of Form 2](Safety_issues_with_the_Form_2_printer)
+(also reproduced below).
+
+ 
+
+## Setting up the printer (based on [the tutorial on how to set up Form 2](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000013424-Set-Up-Your-Form-2))
+
+### 1. Insert the Resin Tank with the Wiper
+
+Lift the printer’s cover. Remove the resin tank’s black lid and align
+the four small feet of the resin tank into the corresponding holes in
+the tank carrier.
+
+ ![](attachments/69798117/69894594.png)
+  ![](attachments/69798117/69894595.png)
+
+Push the tank until it is flush against the front of the carrier. The
+printer will not properly detect the tank unless the tank is fully
+inserted.
+
+### 2. Lock the Wiper
+
+Ensure the wiper is straight, then align the foot of the wiper with the
+wiper mount.
+
+ ![](attachments/69798117/69894596.png)  
+  ![](attachments/69798117/69894597.png)
+
+Push the wiper toward the tank to align it with the front of the mount.
+The wiper should be firmly mounted.
+
+#### TIP
+
+The wiper mount will home to the far right at the end of a print.
+Manually slide the wiper mount to the center before removing a resin
+tank.
+
+### 3. Insert the Build Platform
+
+Align the build platform with the platform carrier and push into place.
+Lock the handle down to secure the build platform.
+
+ ![](attachments/69798117/69894598.png)![](attachments/69798117/69894599.png)
+
+### 4. Shake the Resin Cartridge
+
+Before inserting a new cartridge, shake the cartridge to ensure the
+resin is well-mixed.
+
+ ![](attachments/69798117/69894600.png)
+
+#### TIP
+
+Shake the resin cartridge approximately every two weeks to keep the
+formula well-mixed for the best print quality.
+
+Then, remove the protective valve cover from the underside of the
+cartridge. Consider saving the cover to protect the valve during
+storage.
+
+#### WARNING
+
+Do not remove the rubber valve at the bottom of the cartridge. This bite
+valve controls the release of the resin. Removing the rubber bite valve
+would allow resin to continuously flow and cause extreme damage to the
+machine.
+
+<img src="https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115000038924/_M9A7787_fnl.jpg.1354x0_q80_crop-smart.jpg" width="600" /> 
+
+### 5. Insert the Resin Cartridge
+
+Align the cartridge with the opening at the back of the printer. Push
+down on the cartridge handle until the top of the cartridge is level
+with the printer.
+
+ ![](attachments/69798117/69894601.png)
+
+Be sure to press open the vent cap before starting a print, so that your
+resin tank fills correctly.
+
+<img src="https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115000038944/_M9A7626_fnl1.jpg.1354x0_q80_crop-smart.jpg" width="600" />
+
+#### TIP
+
+Make sure the material in your resin tank always matches the resin type
+in the installed cartridge.
+
+### 6. Power the Printer On
+
+Now you are ready to print. See the steps of printing below.
+
+## Main steps of printing (based on [the tutorial on how to print a 3D model with Form 2](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000013824))
+
+1.  Open the **.stl** file in
+    [PreForm](https://formlabs.com/tools/preform/) software. There you
+    can scale, orient, and create or modify the supports for each model,
+    then save the print as a **.form** before uploading.
+2.  Confirm the type of resin and layer height before sending a
+    **.form** file to the Form 2.
+3.  To start the upload process, select the orange printer icon in the
+    PreForm toolbar.
+4.  To
+
+<img src="https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115000039464/pre-upload.png.1354x0_q80_crop-smart.png" width="900" />
+
+If the orange icon is not available, the printer may not be properly
+connected to the same local network. Check to see that you do not have
+other open instances of PreForm and learn more about [connecting to your
+Form 2.](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/articles/115000011130) Save any
+files before restarting PreForm, and re-connect your printer to
+establish a proper connection
+
+### Confirming
+
+From the print queue view, the Form 2’s touchscreen will display the
+**.form** file’s upload in progress. Use the screen to select the file
+name and start the print.
+
+Follow the onscreen prompts. The Form 2 will automatically fill and warm
+the tank, then the print will start automatically.
+
+### TIP
+
+Shake the resin cartridge approximately every two weeks to keep the
+formula well-mixed for the best print quality.
+
+### Managing Uploaded Prints
+
+The Form 2 can save **.form** files to easily restart recently stored
+print jobs from the queue.
+
+#### Start a Previous Print
+
+To start a saved file, confirm your resin tank and cartridge match the
+file’s settings, then simply select the file’s name from the queue to
+begin the print.
+
+#### Delete a Print Job
+
+To delete a print from the queue, select the file name from the list and
+then select the delete icon on the touchscreen's bottom left corner.
+
+ 
+
+ 
+
+## Safety issues (based on [vendor safety information](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000011604-Safety))
+
+
+
+The Form 2 is a precision tool that requires respect and care to ensure
+safe operation. Follow all safety considerations during operation.
+
+Like any professional equipment, you should treat the printer,
+materials, and accessories with respect and care to ensure a safe
+working environment and a long-lasting machine.
+
+### Supervision
+
+The Form 2 is an excellent educational tool.
+
+The tool should be used with proper training and the supervision of
+young, inexperienced users to ensure enjoyable and safe operation.
+
+### Do Not Modify
+
+The Form 2 printer is for use as-is. The printer should not be modified
+without explicit approval and directions from Formlabs, otherwise
+warranty will be invalid, the machine can be ruined, and can cause
+bodily harm to users.
+
+### Laser 
+
+![](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115000025450/lasercaution.png)Caution
+when working with lasers.
+
+The Form 2 is a Class 1 Laser product. Accessible radiation is within
+Class 1 limits. The laser diode used inside the device has the following
+specifications:
+
+**Diode**: Violet (405nm)
+
+**Max Output**: 250 mW
+
+Never remove the front or back panels of the printer unless instructed
+to do so by Formlabs Support. This will expose you to danger and void
+your
+[warranty.](https://formlabs.com/support/terms-of-service/#warranty) The
+laser beam is harmful to the eyes, so avoid direct contact. The Form
+2 contains an interlock system to automatically shut off the laser when
+the orange cover is opened. If this system is tampered with, or fails,
+there is risk of exposure to Class 3B laser light.
+
+#### Laser Certification
+
+– IEC 60825-1:2007  
+– EN 60825-1:2007  
+FDA performance standards for laser products except for deviations
+pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.
+
+#### WARNING
+
+**Class 1 Laser Product.  
+Never remove the front or back panels of the printer.**
+
+### Resin
+
+Respect Formlabs resin like any household chemical. Follow standard
+chemical safety procedures and [Formlabs resin handling
+instructions](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/articles/115000018044).
+Wear gloves whenever handling liquid resin. 
+
+In general, Formlabs resin is not approved for use with food, drink, or
+medical applications on the human body. However, biocompatible resins,
+such as Dental SG, are biologically safe for specific types and lengths
+of exposure to the human body. Refer to information about each specific
+resin for more detail. Never ingest resin in liquid or solid form. 
+
+#### TIP
+
+Always consult the [SDS (Safety Data
+Sheet)](http://formlabs.com/products/3d-printers/tech-specs/#material-properties)
+as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling
+of Formlabs materials.
+
+### Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
+
+![](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/115000024444/flammablehazardsymbol.png)Isopropyl
+alcohol is a flammable chemical.
+
+Carefully follow the safety instructions provided with the isopropyl
+alcohol that you purchase. Isopropyl alcohol can be flammable, even
+explosive, and should be kept away from heat, fire, or sparks. Any
+containers holding isopropyl alcohol should be kept closed or covered
+when not in use. We also recommend that you wear protective gloves and
+have good ventilation when working with IPA.
+
+#### WARNING
+
+Formlabs does not manufacture isopropyl alcohol. You should consult the
+chemical manufacturer or supplier for more in depth safety information.
+[Learn how to handle IPA with your
+Form 2](https://support.formlabs.com/hc/articles/115000024624).
+
+### Sharp Tools
+
+The accessories kit includes sharp tools such as: tweezers, flush
+cutters, a scraper, and a part removal tool. Using these tools on
+slippery surfaces (such as a resin-coated build platform) can result in
+sudden movement.
+
+### Radio Interference
+
+This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
+Class B digital device, pursuant to CFR Title 47, Part 15 of FCC Rules.
+These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
+harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
+environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
+frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
+instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
+communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
+likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
+required to correct the interference at their own expense.
+
+
+
+ 
+
+
+## Attachments:
+
+
+
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:29:44.png](attachments/69798117/69894594.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:30:45.png](attachments/69798117/69894595.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:31:39.png](attachments/69798117/69894596.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:32:13.png](attachments/69798117/69894597.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:36:1.png](attachments/69798117/69894598.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:37:16.png](attachments/69798117/69894599.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:38:16.png](attachments/69798117/69894600.png)
+  
+<img src="images/icons/bullet_blue.gif" width="8" height="8" />
+[image2017-4-19 17:39:51.png](attachments/69798117/69894601.png)
+  
+